Whilst sat in third place and still six points behind League leaders Milan and three behind Juventus, who have tonight’s game in hand still to play, Capello has backed Reja’s claims that the title race could have a third horse.

“Edy is worth believing because they are six points behind the lead and it is not much to recover in the remaining rounds of action,” the former England Coach told Il Messagero on Wednesday.

“Often you see teams fighting for the League with less than 10 rounds because they hope to bridge any points gap in the springtime, which is when the championship is decided.

“So, it seems logical and right that we point to Lazio’s League position as interesting. The League is not already decided and no-one can rule out a surprise. Milan and Juventus are obviously favoured, both for their squads and for the positions they currently occupy, but nothing is defined.

“I say this not because I am a friend of Reja, but because the numbers speak for themselves and give credence to his hopes that might otherwise seem a dream, an illusion.”

Capello also sees the value the Aquile’s weekend win over city rivals Roma will have had for Reja and his squad.

“I have not seen the game, but the result was certainly important, not only because it was the second of the season, but it also confirmed the value of the work being done with the Biancocelesti, which in any case has been highlighted throughout the championship that has seen them consistently near the top.

“Edy has a squad that respects him, that can respond and get a result on any field. Against Milan, for example, they have picked up four points - this is a clear sign of their strength, reliability, determination and the authorisation from the Coach to think big.